Lausanne University Hospital and EPF Lausanne have discovered a new antibody that neutralizes omicron variants of coronavirus. This finding, published in Nature Microbiology, opens new avenues for preventive and therapeutic applications.
In monkeys, the new antibody has shown therapeutic activity and complete protection when used prophylactically. These results would offer new perspectives for protecting at-risk individuals, especially those with immune deficiencies.
The antibody, called P2G3, had been isolated from an infected donor who had been vaccinated twice. It showed vigorous neutralizing activity against all Corona concern variants, including Omicron.
Antibody prevents mutations
By binding to a specific region of the spike protein, the antibody can prevent the virus from attaching to that receptor on the target cells affected by the infection. This binding also allows the antibody to avoid mutations in all variants, unlike all previously approved antibodies.
This research was conducted before the emergence of omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5. However, recent data suggest that the antibody retains its neutralizing activity, according to the release. Clinical trials starting in August 2022 are expected to confirm this.
- source: krone.at/picture: pixabay.com
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